Woman Slashed In Hand, Choked By Suspect In Lake Bluff Apartment

LAKE BLUFF, IL — The Lake County Sheriff's Office arrested a man suspected of slashing a woman in the hand with a knife and choking her during an argument in Lake Bluff Wednesday night.

Deputies responded to a report of an aggravated battery in progress in the 600 block of Washington Avenue in Lake Bluff at approximately 8:25 p.m. Wednesday night. A witness called 911 to report a man, who was later identified as 25-year-old Angel Diaz of Lincolnshire, was armed with a knife and threatening people inside the apartment.

Diaz fled the scene before authorities arrived.

Preliminary investigation into the incident revealed that Diaz was an acquaintance of the man and woman who live in the apartment and was visiting. According to witnesses, Diaz appeared to be intoxicated when he started an argument with the residents.

At some point during the argument, Diaz brandished a knife and slashed at the woman, cutting her hand, before reaching out and choking her.

"Both the woman and the man were able to briefly get away from Diaz and call 911, which caused Diaz to flee. Fortunately, the woman’s injuries did not require medical attention," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Deputies searched for Diaz overnight, but were unable to locate him. Later, at 12:45 a.m. Thursday morning, Diaz returned to the apartment banging on the door and refusing to leave, prompting the residents to call 911 once again.

Authorities arrived on scene and took Diaz into custody. Following review of the incident, the Lake County State's Attorney's Office approved the following charges against Diaz:

• aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
• aggravated battery - strangulation
• aggravated assault

Diaz is expected to appear in court Thursday morning.